The Big Island has an amazing number of trails that offer every type of hiking experience possible. From casual, rubber slipper trails to rugged all out multi-day hikes - the Big Island has something for everyone.

To view specific details about each Trail, along with photos - click the picture or Trail title. The map image shows approximate location of the trail.

Note... the most recently reviewed Hikes and Trails appear at the top.

Earthquake Trail and Waldron Ledge Scenic StrollThis short 0.8-mile wheelchair friendly stroll in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is a shaded walk past many beautiful plants to an overlook that offers one of the most spectacular views of Kilauea Caldera. This gem of a stroll is surprisingly unknown, even to locals.

Lava Mold Stroll in VolcanoThis short stroll is the direct opposite of what you would find at Lava Tree State Park. While the Big Island has many examples of lava trees - spectacular trees made of rock that stick out from the ground (see here, here, and here) this stroll offers you a rare glimpse of the opposite effect, deep holes in the ground where trees once stood.

The Hike to North Pit and the Summit of Mauna LoaThis trail offers three different entry points depending on how you are arriving. At the end of the trail is North Pit and the huge caldera at the Summit of Mauna Loa. A high-altitude, thus more difficult hike, this trail should not be missed as it offers many panoramic scenes, colorful lava and a chance to stand at the top of the worlds most massive volcano!

Coco's Trail In Hawaiian Paradise ParksThis short and tranquil loop trail in Hawaiian Paradise Park takes you past Kaloli Point to a beautiful overlook at Pākī Bay. Numerous side trails take you to private ocean spots offering ample sun and shade. While not swimable, the cliffs offer panoramic views and many places to picnic and relax. We have named this trail after our InstantHawaii team member, Coco, who died on June 13, 2005. This was one of Coco's favorite trails and we join her to explore this wonderful stroll in Lower Puna.

In Search Of The Long Lost Chasms Of PonohohoaAn intriguing passage in an old book describing an 1823 tour through Hawai'i prompts the InstantHawaii team to try to find the elusive Ponohohoa Chasms. These string of chasms, lava tubes and pits extend for quite a distance in the Ka'ū desert. Join us as we attempt to rediscover the lost Ponohohoa Chasms.

The Pu'u Huluhulu Hike on Saddle RoadThis short hike, on Saddle Road, takes you to the top of an ancient cinder cone with a unique native ecosystem. Many interesting plants and birds live in this protected kipuka. Two trails, one easy and one rugged, wind around and to the top of the cone. This is a perfect stop for a picnic or to acclimate before going to the summit of Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa.

The Great Crack Hike in Ka'ūThis 4 mile round-trip hike in Ka'ū desert take you to a portion of The Great Crack, an 8 mile long crack that is 60 feet wide and 60 feet deep. This little known hike is an easy walk along an old dirt road and takes you to a feature so spectacular that pictures do it little justice.

Onomea Bay Donkey Trail HikeThis is a very short hike on the Onomea Bay Scenic Drive along the Hāmākua Coast. The hike, through a lush forest of palms and other plants follows an old donkey trail about 600 feet down to the ocean. At the end of the trail you are treated to the stunning and incredibly photographic Onomea Bay, as well as a small river and waterfall feeding into the Bay.

Mauna Kea - The Hike To Lake WaiauThis short hike, near the summit of Mauna Kea, takes you to one of the world's highest alpine lakes, the 3rd highest lake in the United States, the only glacially formed lake in the mid-pacific ocean, and a very sacred lake to the Hawaiians.

'Ainahou Ranch WalkAn enjoyable and easy 4 mile (roundtrip) walk in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park leads you to the historic 'Ainahou Ranch. Perfect for a picnic lunch, the ranch sits on a beautifuly landscaped property with countless native and imported plants. You might even see Nēnē Geese.

1974 Lava Tree and Keanakakoi Crater HikeA 1 mile round trip walk in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park takes you through a nice shaded area and out onto a 1974 lava flow. The trail continues to the backside of Keanakakoi Crater, and then backtracks and loops to your car through some of the best examples of lava tree formations on the island.

Thurston Lava Tube WalkA 30 minute walk takes you into prehistoric times. A trail begins about 40 feet from your car in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. The trail takes you into a pit crater lush with huge towering plants, to the entrance of Thurston Lava Tube. This 400 year old lava tube is 600 feet long with ceilings between 10 and 30 feet. The trail through the tube is lit and a short stair and trail at the end takes you back up to your car.